How to spot a fake

Art forgery is as old as the art market. Wolfgang Beltracchi sold fraudulent works attributed to Max Ernst, Heinrich Campendonk, and others worth tens of millions of euros before his conviction in 2013. His forgeries passed through major dealers and auction houses. The protections are layered

Physical examination by a specialist can identify materials inconsistent with the claimed period. Scientific analysis, including X-ray fluorescence, infrared reflectography, and paint analysis, can identify anachronistic materials. Provenance research can identify implausible ownership histories. Authentication boards for specific artists, where they exist, provide the most authoritative opinions

The practical advice is to buy from reputable sources with clear provenance and to engage an independent specialist for any significant purchase.

CollectorGrade take

No single test authenticates a work of art definitively. Authentication is cumulative: physical examination, scientific analysis, provenance research, and expert opinion all contribute. The more of these boxes that are checked, the lower the risk.